|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Daniel Hagan
Phone: 215-953-3773
Email: dhagan@sms-team.com
ASI Show Chicago Sets New Record, Becoming the Best
Attended Summer Show Ever
Huge Jump in Attendance for Biggest Show in Midwest
TREVOSE, PA — (July 26, 2007) — The ninth annual ASI Show Chicago, the industry’s largest show of the summer and biggest show in the Midwest, took place July 10-12 at McCormick Place delivering record-setting attendance of 4,834 distributors (representing 1,790 companies). Turnout from the large distributors was particularly great (with lots of comments about quality from suppliers). Not only were key executives and key salespeople there from nearly all the Top 40, but there were 874 salespeople from companies doing over $10,000,000 a year (a significant turnout from the top distributors), and half of the attendees were from million dollar plus companies. In total, the distributors on the show floor represented $7.2 billion in industry sales.
Over a three-day schedule, ASI Chicago featured a dynamic Education Conference that experienced a 10% increase in attendee participation from last year, 812 leading suppliers (including more than 200 new exhibitors from 2006), thousands of innovative items for the second selling season, three free Keynote presentations, daily business-building networking receptions and more!
The ASI Show Chicago welcomed both veteran and new distributors from the Midwest and across the country — all eager to see the industry’s newest and most inventive products and services. Ray Titus, President of EmbroidMe, asi/384000, shared, “ASI Chicago was amazing. Our employees loved the education seminars and left with so much information to take back to our close to 450 franchisees. We had dozens of owners attend the show and each came away with great ideas to help take their business to the next level. In my opinion, anyone that is serious about building, growing or even maintaining their current business needs to attend ASI Chicago EVERY year. We look forward to a long, successful relationship with ASI. We consider ASI more of a partner than a vendor. Keep up the fantastic job!” Carrie Wolf from HALO/Lee Wayne, asi/356000, added, “The ASI Show Chicago continued to be a productive show for me as I visited with suppliers and learned about new items and new applications of products. I find the Advantages New Product Showcase, with its display of brand new items in the industry, to always be helpful. It prepares me for researching products for our company’s team of Account Executives.”
Suppliers were also very pleased with this year’s ASI Show Chicago. “ASI Chicago was the best show we have had in the last five years,” said Mark Bruk of CFS Promotions for Now!, asi/42989. “In terms of numbers, we generated almost 300 qualified leads vs. typically 150 at other industry shows and 225 at PPAI Las Vegas. The quality of attendees was also very good. We met and had great conversations with major distributors. Good job!” Todd Peppler of K&R Precision Corporation, asi/63770, added, "The traffic was unbelievable. ASI Chicago has been one of the best shows of the year!" Lastly, Mary Strapason from Apple Imprints Apparel, asi/36553, offered, “As an industry supplier for over 26 years, we find ASI Chicago to be one of our best shows each year. The quality of distributors and the venue are fantastic. Having collected over 400 leads, we have some phenomenal opportunities with new and existing accounts. With so much competition locally, a show such as ASI Chicago gives us a diverse base to partner with in business. We look forward to exhibiting again in 2008.”
“We are thrilled to be ending the year with a record-setting event!” shared ASI Show President Matthew Cohn. “The ASI Show Chicago was the fifth and last ASI Show of the year. To date, the 2007 ASI Shows (Orlando, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Chicago) have brought 20,000 distributors together with leading industry suppliers during five incredible, business-building opportunities. As with every show, our number one priority is to make sure that distributors are happy with the variety and number of exhibitors and suppliers are experiencing steady, quality booth traffic. Since ASI Chicago, I have repeatedly heard from both distributors and suppliers expressing their excitement and appreciation for the show.”
Education Conference Earns Honors in Chicago
The largest show in the Midwest is also home to the region’s most extensive Education Conference. Sponsored by Fields Manufacturing, asi/54100, The ASI Show Education Conference provided dozens of industry-specific training seminars — many of them free — to more than 850 distributors and suppliers (a 10% increase in participation from last year’s Education Conference) throughout the day on Tuesday, July 10. The day featured a free Keynote by ASI President and CEO Timothy M. Andrews entitled, “Top 10 Ways to be More Successful,” and highlighted a new Lunch & Learn program by Cliff Quicksell, Jr., sponsored by SHEPENCO/Shelbyville Pencil, asi/86850, “10 Proven Steps to Delivering What Your Clients REALLY Want.” Another popular event held on Education Day was a factory tour of Top 40 supplier Dard Products, Inc. On the tour, 75 attendees observed many of the imprinting processes used in the industry today, such as pad printing, silk screen, offset printing, hot stamping and letter press printing. They also saw over 500 products that Dard inventories and imprints.
On Wednesday and Thursday there were plenty of additional opportunities for learning. The popular Supplier Secrets Keynote: “How Suppliers’ Newest Products and Selling Ideas can Help Make You More Money,” was held on July 10 and featured mini-presentations by 18 well-known suppliers who shared their best products and sales ideas. On Thursday, July 11, best-selling author and sales expert Chris Lytle led a Keynote presentation entitled, “How to Build Relationships Your Competitors Can't Steal.” Lastly, Power Sessions afforded attendees the opportunity to further hone their sales and marketing techniques during hour-long workshops that were led by renowned experts.
Fun Networking in the Windy City
Nearly 900 party-goers wrapped up an action-packed first show day at The ASI Show Gala Celebration at Chicago hotspot Excalibur nightclub on Wednesday, July 11. The Gala offered attendees and exhibitors the perfect opportunity to network off the show floor for an evening of relaxation, fun and dancing while enjoying a scrumptious dinner buffet, open bar, two live bands and much more! Judith Greenspan from Keene Promotions, asi/240000, was like most attendees in sharing her excitement for the event, “It’s a lovely night. I’m so glad to be here. The food and festive atmosphere is wonderful. I have met people from all over the country. Thank you ASI!”
Networking events were held every day of the show and included a Welcome to Chicago Reception, the 2007 Counselor Awards, Celebrate Chicago Reception, ASI Canadian Member Reception and the Closing Celebration.
Photos of The ASI Show Chicago may be viewed and downloaded by visiting http://www.asishow.com/ShowExcitement/CH07ShowExcitement/
The 2008 ASI Shows
The ASI Shows in 2008 are: January 3-5 (Education Jan. 3) in Orlando; February 6-8 (Education Feb. 6) in Dallas; April 23-25 (Education April 23) in Las Vegas; May 6-8 (Education Day May 6) in Philadelphia; and July 22-24 (Education July 22) in Chicago. Plus, the Advantages Roadshow, ASI’s official traveling show and the best-attended traveling show in the industry, will be visiting nearly 60 top cities throughout the country.
About The ASI Show
The ASI Show was created for active ASI member distributors and suppliers and attracts more distributors than any other industry shows — with over 25,000 attendees. Offering a full education conference, networking opportunities and a manageable one-floor/one-hall layout, The ASI Show provides a complete tradeshow experience. In five host cities per year (Orlando, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Chicago), The ASI Show has experienced steadily growing attendance since its inception in 1998, and is ideal for promotional product businesses searching for new ideas, new business relationships and more.
About the Advantages Roadshow
The ASI Show launched the Advantages Roadshow in January 2006, an all-new traveling show that provides opportunities for professionals in the ad specialty/promotional products industry to meet and conduct business on a local level. Touring cities nationwide over 15 weeks, suppliers meet distributors in important, specific geographic markets around the country. With The ASI Show’s known marketing and tradeshow expertise, the Advantages Roadshow brings top industry suppliers together with quality distributors and salespeople who traditionally don’t attend other larger industry shows.
For complete show details, visit www.asishow.com
|
